1. Isolation- If your loved one starts isolating themselves from family and friends this may be a sign of addiction. Individuals who start depending on drugs, alcohol, and certain other activities may start avoiding others who do not share these activities. The individual will start to isolate themselves from friends and family members that they were previously close with. Avoiding family gatherings and social functions is also common.
2. Loss Of Interest- Loss of interest is another big indicator that your loved one may have an addiction or another type of problem. When someone is no longer interested in the same things and seems to lose all interest in enjoyable things this is a sign that help is needed. Depression and other mental disorders can cause this symptom as well, so an evaluation may be needed to determine if an addiction is present.
3. Changes In Mood Or Behavior- When a loved one starts to develop an addiction it is common to see changes in mood and behavior. Sometimes these changes can be drastic or occur rapidly, but at other times this may be more gradual. Extreme mood swings, argumentative behavior, defiance, and a lot of anger or hostility may all be signs of an addiction.
4. Self Destructive Behavior- If a loved one has shown signs of self destructive behavior then this may mean an addiction needs to be addressed. Self destructive behavior can include extreme risk taking, legal problems including arrest and incarceration, and even unsafe sexual practices.
5. Financial Problems- Money problems occur to everyone, but someone with an addict typically seems to have chronic financial problems that never stop. Addiction is not a cheap activity. Whether the addiction involves drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, sex, or another activity it will get expensive after a short time and result in financial difficulty.
